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Naoki Urasawa's Monster #2
Naoki Urasawa's Monster, Volume 2: Surprise Party
An ice-cold killer is on the loose, and brilliant Dr. Kenzo Tenma is the only one who can stop him! Conspiracies, serial murders, and a scathing indictment of hospital politics are all masterfully woven together in this compelling manga thriller.
Tenma springs to action when he discovers that Johan, the boy whose life he saved nine years ago, has grown up and turned into a serial killer. But when Tenma finds out that Johan has strong inside connections with government officials, he realizes that this monster is far more powerful than he could have ever imagined.
Tenma springs to action when he discovers that Johan, the boy whose life he saved nine years ago, has grown up and turned into a serial killer. But when Tenma finds out that Johan has strong inside connections with government officials, he realizes that this monster is far more powerful than he could have ever imagined.
216 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1995
35 people are currently reading
865 people want to read
About the author
Naoki Urasawa
356 books2,800 followersUrasawa Naoki (浦沢直樹) is a Japanese mangaka. He is perhaps best known for Monster (which drew praise from Junot Díaz, the 2008 Pulitzer Prize winner) and 20th Century Boys.
Urasawa's work often concentrates on intricate plotting, interweaving narratives, a deep focus on character development and psychological complexity. Urasawa has won the Shogakukan Manga Award, the Japan Media Arts Festival excellence award, the Kodansha Manga Award and the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize. In 2008 Urasawa accepted a guest teaching post at Nagoya Zokei University.
Series list (not including short stories collections):
- Pineapple ARMY (パイナップルARMY) 1985-1988, written by Kazuya Kudo;
- YAWARA! 1986-1993;
- Master Keaton (MASTERキートン) 1988-1994, written by Hokusei Katsushika;
- Happy! 1993-1999
- MONSTER 1994-2001
- 20th Century Boys (20世紀少年) 1999-2006
- 21st Century Boys (21世紀少年) 2007
- PLUTO 2003-2009, based on Tezuka Osamu's Tetsuwan Atom
- BILLY BAT 2008-2016
- Master Keaton Remaster (MASTERキートン Reマスター) 2012-2014
- Mujirushi (夢印-MUJIRUSHI-) 2017-2018, collaboration with Musée du Louvre
- Asadora! (連続漫画小説 あさドラ!) 2018-ongoing
Urasawa's work often concentrates on intricate plotting, interweaving narratives, a deep focus on character development and psychological complexity. Urasawa has won the Shogakukan Manga Award, the Japan Media Arts Festival excellence award, the Kodansha Manga Award and the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize. In 2008 Urasawa accepted a guest teaching post at Nagoya Zokei University.
Series list (not including short stories collections):
- Pineapple ARMY (パイナップルARMY) 1985-1988, written by Kazuya Kudo;
- YAWARA! 1986-1993;
- Master Keaton (MASTERキートン) 1988-1994, written by Hokusei Katsushika;
- Happy! 1993-1999
- MONSTER 1994-2001
- 20th Century Boys (20世紀少年) 1999-2006
- 21st Century Boys (21世紀少年) 2007
- PLUTO 2003-2009, based on Tezuka Osamu's Tetsuwan Atom
- BILLY BAT 2008-2016
- Master Keaton Remaster (MASTERキートン Reマスター) 2012-2014
- Mujirushi (夢印-MUJIRUSHI-) 2017-2018, collaboration with Musée du Louvre
- Asadora! (連続漫画小説 あさドラ!) 2018-ongoing
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
March 28, 2025
Lo único que voy a decir de este tomo es que desde aquí ya se nota lo magistral que es Urasawa para construir a cada personaje por muy pequeño o "poco importante" que pueda parecer para la trama principal. Es un maestro a la hora de darle historias propias en tan pocos capítulos y eso lo demuestra con creces el capítulo 16. Siempre lloro.
Debo mencionar así por encima que mi gusto culposo la primera vez que leí esto era shippear a Nina y a Tenma. Yo y mi mente atolondrada que en todo lado debía meter romance a la fuerza.
Debo mencionar así por encima que mi gusto culposo la primera vez que leí esto era shippear a Nina y a Tenma. Yo y mi mente atolondrada que en todo lado debía meter romance a la fuerza.
August 15, 2021
This was quite good and focuses on where Nina is and whos he really is and the psychological effects this encounter has had on the mind of Kenzo as he is trying to find about the origins and where he has been of Johan but what he discovers will change his world and will he able to save a certain someone? But when his life hangs in the balance and his job is threatened, suspicions are on him and he become a renegade what happens then? Plus what and who is Johan really?
This was a fascinating volume and like all great things ups the mystery and I love the slow burn and like seeing the fall out and the mysteries and the story with Nina. Plus I like how the writer in the end even amps up the tension and shows Kenzo in a weird position but never losing sight of the main story points and the art in here is so good. Some of the best for sure. Plus the ending will have you in smiles but great things happening. 3.5/5.
This was a fascinating volume and like all great things ups the mystery and I love the slow burn and like seeing the fall out and the mysteries and the story with Nina. Plus I like how the writer in the end even amps up the tension and shows Kenzo in a weird position but never losing sight of the main story points and the art in here is so good. Some of the best for sure. Plus the ending will have you in smiles but great things happening. 3.5/5.
April 2, 2015
The mystery is deepening and I'm getting sucked in with it. Nina is going to be a very interesting character even beyond being the twin sister. I like the doctor a lot more, too, and understand why he's willing to give up his practice so easily to right the original wrong he had done by saving the boy. It's creepy and fascinating, now. I'm eating out of the comic's hand. It's so easy to see how everything is going to turn to crap for these poor characters.
August 24, 2024
I decided to continue one of the best Seinen series based on many recommendations.
This time, the story focuses on Johann's twin and delves deeper into Nina's character.
So far, it's quite interesting and makes me want to continue the series.
This time, the story focuses on Johann's twin and delves deeper into Nina's character.
So far, it's quite interesting and makes me want to continue the series.
June 16, 2024
كان هذا جيدًا جدًا ويركز على مكان وجود نينا ومن هي حقًا والتأثيرات النفسية التي أحدثها
هذا اللقاء على ذهن كينزو أثناء محاولته التعرف على أصول يوهان وأين كان ولكن ما اكتشفه سيغير عالمه وهل سيتمكن من إنقاذ شخص معين؟ لكن عندما تصبح حياته على المحك وتتعرض وظيفته للتهديد، تحوم الشكوك حوله, ماذا يحدث بعد ذلك؟ بالإضافة إلى ماذا ومن هو يوهان حقًا؟
لقد كان هذا مجلدًا رائعًا ومثل كل الأشياء العظيمة التي تزيد من الغموض وأنا أحب رؤية الألغاز والقصة مع نينا. بالإضافة إلى أنني أحب الطريقة التي يزيد بها الكاتب التوتر في النهاية ويظهر كينزو في وضع غريب لكنه لا يغيب عن باله نقاط القصة الرئيسية والفن هنا جيد جدًا. بعض من الأفضل بالتأكيد. بالإضافة إلى أن النهاية ستجعلك تبتسم ولكن تحدث أشياء عظيمة.
هذا اللقاء على ذهن كينزو أثناء محاولته التعرف على أصول يوهان وأين كان ولكن ما اكتشفه سيغير عالمه وهل سيتمكن من إنقاذ شخص معين؟ لكن عندما تصبح حياته على المحك وتتعرض وظيفته للتهديد، تحوم الشكوك حوله, ماذا يحدث بعد ذلك؟ بالإضافة إلى ماذا ومن هو يوهان حقًا؟
لقد كان هذا مجلدًا رائعًا ومثل كل الأشياء العظيمة التي تزيد من الغموض وأنا أحب رؤية الألغاز والقصة مع نينا. بالإضافة إلى أنني أحب الطريقة التي يزيد بها الكاتب التوتر في النهاية ويظهر كينزو في وضع غريب لكنه لا يغيب عن باله نقاط القصة الرئيسية والفن هنا جيد جدًا. بعض من الأفضل بالتأكيد. بالإضافة إلى أن النهاية ستجعلك تبتسم ولكن تحدث أشياء عظيمة.
July 9, 2016
So far I haven't really gotten enough in this series to really form an opinion as to whether I like it or not, but what I've read so far I'm really enjoying!
I look forward to seeing where this heads in the next 16 volumes!
The last scene was super sweet too :')
I look forward to seeing where this heads in the next 16 volumes!
The last scene was super sweet too :')
June 21, 2017
Not quite as interesting as the first volume. But the plot is thickening. The characters are growing. Open ends will be connected in the coming volumes.
I'm going to read all 18 volumes of it.
I'm going to read all 18 volumes of it.
December 12, 2022
All the political machinations in this volume are great! The volume begins with Tenma realizing that the little boy he helped save is really a serial killer. I loved that twist! It really messes with Tenma's mind, and we have some great scenes with Tenma coming to terms with that.
Now with Tenma on the run and trying to solve the mystery on his own, all the while running for his own life, the series is starting to pick up the pace and becoming harder to put down!
Now with Tenma on the run and trying to solve the mystery on his own, all the while running for his own life, the series is starting to pick up the pace and becoming harder to put down!
July 28, 2019
Dr. Tenma failed to stop the murder of Fortners and Journalist from the monster. Now he himself is training to be assassin , will be able to stop monster amidst of himself being the suspect of the various murders ?
In all a exciting volume to read.
In all a exciting volume to read.
July 31, 2018
Doing marathon on this captivating thriler.
June 12, 2024
3.25 stars
Although Johan's sister Anna's life is shown to us in volume 2, it ends badly for Dr. Temma. Five months later, he's training to capture Johan.
I understand his motivation and his kick, but I don't want this to turn into a cat and mouse game. My hopes for this series are pretty high.
I thought the last chapter was adorable and that Dr. Temma is a kind man who makes a difference in people's lives wherever he travels.
Although Johan's sister Anna's life is shown to us in volume 2, it ends badly for Dr. Temma. Five months later, he's training to capture Johan.
I understand his motivation and his kick, but I don't want this to turn into a cat and mouse game. My hopes for this series are pretty high.
I thought the last chapter was adorable and that Dr. Temma is a kind man who makes a difference in people's lives wherever he travels.
August 5, 2022
I liked this one a lot more than the first one! Barely any of it took place in the hospital and I loved learning the backstory about the sister.
January 12, 2023
compelling, thrilling and masterfully written as my curiosity grows every chapter!
June 20, 2025
i was waiting for shit to go down I am left wanting for an interaction with the "monster" hope I'll get to see it in the next volume hrhrhehehehehehehehr
March 8, 2021
3/6/21-- idk if i just wasn't as emphatic about it before, or if i legitimately am enjoying it more this time, but i forgot how fantastic the setup for this series is, within the first volume of the perfect edition (the first 2 original volumes). I've honestly been very tempted to bump these 2 volumes up to 5/5, but have refrained. Regardless, I'm really excited to continue on, and hope my enjoyment carries through the rest of the series.
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Spoiler text below describes the plot of the volume so that I have a summary of each volume as a point of reference.
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Spoiler text below describes the plot of the volume so that I have a summary of each volume as a point of reference.
December 22, 2016
Hmmm this one was okay. Kind of anti-climatic. Solid 3 stars.
Surprise Party is the sequel so like always I can't speak to much about this one in detail. This book takes place 9 years after the first book. The story focuses on a new person for most of the book. Dr. Kenzo Tenma is also in this volume, still searching for the killer Johan.
Does anyone else feel that the inspector is super creepy? It's sort of cliche, but I hate when there is the slimy cop who is just looking to pin the crime on an innocent because they just want the case closed or because they are too busy to find out all the information. Pride gets in the way I think. They won't back down. They have an idea, the figure they know the criminal and regardless of what they find out in their search they continue to bag the innocent one.
I can't believe this series has 18 volumes! I'm in it for the long haul.
Extra** Kenzo's ex-wife is such a douche lol.
Surprise Party is the sequel so like always I can't speak to much about this one in detail. This book takes place 9 years after the first book. The story focuses on a new person for most of the book. Dr. Kenzo Tenma is also in this volume, still searching for the killer Johan.
Does anyone else feel that the inspector is super creepy? It's sort of cliche, but I hate when there is the slimy cop who is just looking to pin the crime on an innocent because they just want the case closed or because they are too busy to find out all the information. Pride gets in the way I think. They won't back down. They have an idea, the figure they know the criminal and regardless of what they find out in their search they continue to bag the innocent one.
I can't believe this series has 18 volumes! I'm in it for the long haul.
Extra** Kenzo's ex-wife is such a douche lol.
December 9, 2010
El número 1 me pareció bastante malo por la seguidilla de clichés y personajes acartonados que tenía, pero supuse que era consecuencia de ser un tomo demasiado "introductorio" y que una vez que el conflicto principal estuviera establecido, el relato se iba a poner progresivamente mejor. Por ahora, parece que tengo razón, porque este tomo supera por mucho a la primera parte, el ritmo y la narrativa cambian vertiginosamente y los personajes van perdiendo esa bidimensionalidad irritante y se vuelven un cachito menos predecibles. En cuanto a la edición argentina (que supongo que terminaré subiendo cuando tenga ejemplar propio) es bastante buena en cuanto a traducción, pese a las siempre presentes faltas ortográficas, a unas onomatopeyas horribles y unas tapas que se doblan con extrema facilidad.
February 26, 2013
9 years ago Dr Tenma operated on boy and thus saved the child's life. OK. But why should the surgeon feel any responsibility for Johan's crimes? I don't understand why Tenma has made his mission to catch Johan. I would have understood if Tenma had felt some sort responsibility towards the Turkish man's family...*shrugs* It's not like Tenma believes that criminal's shouldn't get medical care and/or second chance- he was quite friendly with Junker.
While I'm confused with main character's actions I like the story and mystery :)
While I'm confused with main character's actions I like the story and mystery :)
May 31, 2016
May 30, 2016
It's been 9 years since the strange chain of murders around Dr. Tenma. The twins he was treating at the time are still missing, and life seems to have moved on. Meanwhile a bright young girl with no recollection of her childhood receives mysterious emails from a stranger, promising a fateful meeting. What she doesn't know is that her life is about to tragically and irrevocably change forever. Excellent volume.
It's been 9 years since the strange chain of murders around Dr. Tenma. The twins he was treating at the time are still missing, and life seems to have moved on. Meanwhile a bright young girl with no recollection of her childhood receives mysterious emails from a stranger, promising a fateful meeting. What she doesn't know is that her life is about to tragically and irrevocably change forever. Excellent volume.
October 28, 2025
After learning that one of the patients he had saved turned out to be a killer, Tenma left his post. He was determined to uncover the monster’s secrets by tracking a series of murders. However, the monster had influential backing from people high up in the government. On top of that, Tenma was also accused of a murder and unfortunately for him, he had the highly capable BKA detective on his tail.
At first I was daunted by the unfamiliar Japanese terms considering Tenma’s background as a doctor. Many specific medical words that are unknown to me even in English or my native Malay appeared as Tenma tended to his patients while on the run. In this volume there are more political elements. Though it could get pretty dry, I was able to appreciate the ideology and why the monster was more dangerous than any other criminals. I’m amazed that the manga rarely have fillers. In each column, there were smaller parts to support the main story, and I can see why the manga had been a hit and it was adapted into anime! I’m excited to explore the rest of the series!
At first I was daunted by the unfamiliar Japanese terms considering Tenma’s background as a doctor. Many specific medical words that are unknown to me even in English or my native Malay appeared as Tenma tended to his patients while on the run. In this volume there are more political elements. Though it could get pretty dry, I was able to appreciate the ideology and why the monster was more dangerous than any other criminals. I’m amazed that the manga rarely have fillers. In each column, there were smaller parts to support the main story, and I can see why the manga had been a hit and it was adapted into anime! I’m excited to explore the rest of the series!
September 30, 2019
Urasawa does a great job in portraying the fragile and multiple layers of the souls of his characters. Be it the surgeon who did the ethical thing and brought a monster back to life or the soldier who did his job and holds on to his guilt.
An intense second chapter in the story with a bittersweet ending that brought a tear to my eye.
An intense second chapter in the story with a bittersweet ending that brought a tear to my eye.
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July 16, 2024One thing Urasawa is inevitably good at is making me tearful from couple pages or one or two interactions…
((I love the way the food here represents interesting aspects of relationships. ++ Tenma is the best boy ever he deserves nothing bad. ++ Nina’s character is so incredible, can’t wait to see more of her.))
April 30, 2022
I have no ides where the fuck we are going with this, but i want to see what the hype is about sepse everyone calls it a great manga.
U trishtova shume per ate gazetarin.
Burri me gocen ne fund, shume cute <3
U trishtova shume per ate gazetarin.
Burri me gocen ne fund, shume cute <3
January 23, 2019
i am FREAKING OUT
February 10, 2019
Truly amazing manga. This, along with The drops of God, has got me into manga, hard. Borrowing this from the library like crazy.
September 17, 2020
aşırı sürükleyici ve heyecanlı, okurken bir sonraki karede ne olacak diye düşünmeden duramıyorum. bayıldım bu hikayeye!
August 2, 2022
peguei o ritmo e tô gostando
March 19, 2023
Man!!! I’m in awe of how fast Urasawa can introduce new characters and cause you to care for them.
Really frustrated with myself for not reading any of his works until recent years.
Really frustrated with myself for not reading any of his works until recent years.
September 9, 2023
September 2023. The first volumes of a famous thriller manga series about a doctor who performs lifesaving brain surgery on a child, only to later find out he’s grown up to be a serial killer. The doctor feels responsible for him living to become what he has and tries to find him to stop him.
This was excellent! Highly recommend! I’ve read Vol 1-4 and am waiting to get more from the library. Absolutely has earned its classic status from what I’ve read so far. I’m done with 4/18 so far so I’m very excited to see what twists and turns are coming down the road for it.
Naoki Urasawa’s Monster (Vol 1-4).
This was excellent! Highly recommend! I’ve read Vol 1-4 and am waiting to get more from the library. Absolutely has earned its classic status from what I’ve read so far. I’m done with 4/18 so far so I’m very excited to see what twists and turns are coming down the road for it.
Naoki Urasawa’s Monster (Vol 1-4).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews